To prepare for a future with quantum computers, researchers are developing post-quantum cryptography. This is a new type of encryption that quantum computers cannot easily break. In 2024, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) finalized its first set of quantum-resistant algorithms, including CRYSTALS-Kyber and CRYSTALS-Dilithium.
The Bitcoin community is considering upgrades that would replace the current signature system with one of these quantum-resistant methods. Moving the entire network to new cryptography will take years, as every wallet and software provider would need to update, and all participants would have to agree on the protocol changes.